Eric’s family used a speakerphone to call Disability Hub MN at 1-866-333-2466 because they didn’t understand why he could start getting benefits when he turned 18. Alan, an expert in disability issues, answered the phone. They asked Alan why Eric would start getting SSI even though he still lived at home, and Alan explained, “Eric, when you turn 18, Social Security will consider you an adult. That means that they won’t deem any of your parents’ income and resources when they consider your application. When I say they won’t deem, what that means is that they’ll completely ignore your parents’ money – you are considered an independent adult. Eric, do you have any income or resources of your own?”

Eric answered that he did not and Alan continued, “That’s why you’ll get SSI, because you will be an independent adult with no income and no resources. Before you turn 18, Social Security looks at your parents and figures they’ll support you financially, but once you turn 18, Social Security knows that you’ll need your own source of income.”

“That’s great news,” exclaimed Eric. “It’s exciting that I’ll have some spending money of my own for the first time!”

Alan had one more question for Eric related to SSI: “Will you be paying for rent or food while you live with your parents?”

“No,” responded Eric. “Why does that matter?”

“SSI will help you financially according to how much help you need. When they figure out your benefits amount, they’ll consider your living expenses. If you don’t pay for rent or food, they’ll reduce the monthly SSI benefits you get. It’s called a ‘Value Third Reduction (VTR).’ It means that the largest benefit you could possibly get would be 33% lower than the maximum SSI benefit for somebody who lives by himself. So, instead of getting a maximum benefit of $771 per month, the most you could possibly get would be $514.00 per month.”

Eric did some mental math and agreed that made sense.

Alan asked, “Anyway, when you’re about to turn 18, get in touch with Social Security and get that SSI application started. Now what about health insurance? Do you have any?”

Eric’s father piped up, “Yes, Eric has had Medical Assistance (MA) for years. He was always able to qualify because for MA as a child with a disability, they never counted my income or his mother’s. Will anything change?”

“Eric will continue to get MA and won’t have to pay anything for it,” Alan replied. “I just wanted to make sure that Eric knew that as long as he qualifies for SSI, he’ll almost certainly qualify for MA as well. Eric, just make sure to update your information with your local county human services agency when you turn 18.”

When Eric was close to turning 18, he started his SSI application. Then, right after he turned 18, he called Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment to complete the SSI application. The SSI claims representative he spoke with over the phone said that it was really important for Eric to come to his appointment with documentation about all the barriers he had from his disability, including medical records, doctor’s notes, school records, and anything else that would explain the situation.

On the day of his appointment, Eric had all his paperwork ready and the Social Security claims representative said it looked like they had everything they needed to make a decision, but it would take a while to process the application. Six weeks later, Eric got a letter saying that he was eligible for SSI benefits. As Alan had said, he wouldn’t get the maximum benefits amount of $771 per month because he was living with his parents and not paying for food or rent. Instead, he’d get $514.00 per month, which was still a big help with his expenses.

Glossary

An educational plan for a student receiving special education services. The IEP is created with input from parents, teachers, staff, and the student. It includes information on the student’s current performance, goals and evaluation, and on what specific services the student will need.

A state-run health care program that pays medical expenses for people who are disabled, young, elderly, poor, or pregnant. If you meet program requirements, MA will help pay for a variety of medical services including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medical equipment, home care services, and prescription drugs. To apply for MA, visit your county human services agency.

An exclusion that allows most students to work without their SSI benefit decreasing. The SEIE lets you keep the first $1,870 in earnings each month without affecting the countable earned income calculation. But there is an annual cap of $7,550, so if you earn more than this in any given year, the income starts counting again.

A Social Security Administration program that gives cash benefits to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. The amount you get in SSI benefits is based on your financial need and your living situation. The maximum monthly SSI benefit is $771 for individuals and $1,157 for eligible couples.

A state agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs that are consistent with their skills, strengths, and interests. Arizona's Vocational Rehabilitation agency is called the Arizona Rehabilitation Services.